New National Ranking Affirms Michigan’s Workforce Advantage

Michigan Ranks Top 5 Nationally for Workforce—Driven by Talent, Training, and Local Partnerships

[LANSING, Mich.—Jan. 13, 2026] A new national ranking reinforces what employers across the state already know: Michigan has all the right components for workforce success.

Site Selection Magazine’s newly released Workforce Development rankings place Michigan fourth in the nation—ahead of California, Texas, and Florida—and second in the East North Central region. The Michigan Works! Association said the ranking reflects years of strategic investment in people, skills, and local workforce partnerships that connect Michiganders to good-paying, in-demand jobs while helping employers grow.

“This ranking validates the work happening every day in communities across Michigan,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “Michigan’s strength is not just its talent—it’s the investments, systems, and partnerships that help workers gain skills and help employers find the people they need. Local Michigan Works! agencies are at the center of that effort.”

Site Selection Magazine cited Michigan’s strong workforce talent, postsecondary institutions, and skilled trades programs as key factors driving the ranking. Michigan also moved up two spots from the publication’s 2025 regional rankings, highlighting continued momentum in workforce and talent development.

“This recognition demonstrates what Michigan can achieve through coordination, accountability, and local expertise,” Hundt said.  “With limited resources, Michigan Works! agencies have built a responsive, employer-driven workforce system that delivers results with efficiency and care. Strategic, sustained legislative investment would allow us to scale what’s already working and position Michigan even more competitively on the national stage.”

The ranking follows other recent national recognitions, including a sixth-place ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business and a Top 10 ranking from Area Development, further underscoring Michigan’s growing reputation as a state where businesses can compete and thrive.

Michigan Works! Association leaders noted that the ranking reflects the combined impact of statewide initiatives and local delivery, including registered apprenticeships, employer-driven training programs, career readiness credentials, and expanded access to postsecondary education and skills training.

“Employers don’t just need workers—they need workers who are prepared, credentialed, and ready to succeed,” Hundt said. “Michigan Works! agencies partner with businesses, colleges, unions, and community organizations to make that happen, region by region. And as these results show, we’re making an enormous impact. What’s needed now is for state investment in crucial workforce programs to match the level of ongoing demand that continues to exist in communities across Michigan.”

The Michigan Works! Association said the ranking should encourage continued investment in workforce development as competition for talent intensifies nationwide.

“This recognition is something Michigan should be proud of—but it’s also a reminder that workforce development is never ‘done,’” Hundt said. “Sustained investment in skills, access, and local partnerships will ensure Michigan continues to lead and remains a place where both workers and businesses can make it.”

According to Site Selection, the revamped rankings were based on a composite index using data from ACT, the Lumina Foundation, the Strada Education Foundation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, SkillsUSA, and the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Michigan scored particularly well on measures such as career-readiness certificates, degree attainment, and improvements in labor productivity.

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The Michigan Works! Association is committed to advocating for a strong, skilled workforce in Michigan. Representing Michigan’s statewide Michigan Works! system, the Association supports collaboration among workforce development agencies, businesses, educators, and policymakers to ensure the state’s workforce remains competitive in a global economy.